How can I overcome a bad habit?

A bad habit is usually connected to wrong beliefs and
attitudes. We should not want to change a habit only
because it is embarrassing, expensive, unhealthy, or
makes us feel guilty--rather we should want God's
greater purpose for our life to be fulfilled. Until we
deal with the underlying wrong beliefs that weaken our
resistance to the bad habit, we will have only limited
success in overcoming it.

The Christian must see that bad habits are ultimately
spiritual issues. We must not hesitate to call them
sins. And we need to realize that the means of
sanctification described in Scripture (chiefly the
Word of God and prayer) are essential for overcoming
such habits.

We are responsible for our own sin--including those
sins "which so easily beset us." The fact that we do
something wrong habitually does not relieve us of
responsibility. On the contrary, it may make the
sin all the worse. So we must take personal
responsibility for our own habits and not shrink from
calling them sin.

(((PRAISE GOD FOR GIVING US A WAY OUT!!!)))))

Sinful habits are not insurmountable problems for the
Christian. After all, the Holy Spirit indwells us and
is working to conform us to the image of Christ. And
if God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)
Furthermore, Galatians 5:16 says that if we "walk by
the Spirit, [we] will not carry out the desire of the
flesh." And 1 Corinthians 10:13 is a promise that God
will not permit us to be tempted beyond our ability.
If we make use of the resources provided by God
through His Spirit and His Word, we can attack any
habit knowing that we can win.

Let me make some practical suggestions for overcoming
bad habits that I think you will find helpful.

First of all, remember that sin begins in the mind.
James 1:14-15 compares a person falling into sin to a
fish or animal that is caught with bait. It sees the
bait, desires it, and is trapped in the process of
grabbing it. Likewise, sins that ensnare us begin in
the mind. The person who steals first thinks about the
thing he wants. He then thinks of a plan for getting
it. After he has schemed in his mind, he takes it. He
could have stopped the sin in his mind before it
became completed in his action. That's why Scripture
commands us to renew our minds (Romans 12:2), to think
about good things (Philippians 4:8), and to meditate
on the Word (Psalm 1:2).

Defeating a habit also requires changes in lifestyle.
We are to make no provision for the flesh (Romans
13:14). The person who wants to stop smoking should
throw away all his cigarettes and not buy any more;
the person struggling with sexual sin should get rid
of any suggestive materials in his possession. Avoid
the company of those who have the same problem (1
Corinthians 15:33), and avoid the places and
circumstances which tempt you.

Finally, don't try to battle a bad habit alone.
Develop relationships with more mature Christians who
will encourage and support you (Galatians 6:2). Spend
time in prayer with them. Ask them to "check up on
you" regularly, and be honest about your failures
(James 5:16).

Biblical change is not just turning away from sin; it
is turning toward righteousness. The person who lies
must speak the truth (Ephesians 4:25). One who steals
must not only stop stealing, he must work and give to
others (verse 28); and one whose language is
unwholesome must learn to edify others (verse 29). Do
not just stop sinning--start doing what is right. The
good habits you build will replace the sinful ones.

For further study:
Erwin Lutzer, How to Say No to a Stubborn Habit
(Wheaton, IL: Victor, 1978).

=====
"No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his
love has been brought to full expression through us." 1 John 4:12

www.brennakate.com
www.livejournal.com/~brennakate

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now.
http://mailplus.yahoo.com